Share:

Braces offer the promise of straight, beautiful teeth and correct jaw alignment. However, new orthodontics can be a challenge for a child to keep clean. Here are a few dental care tips for your child to follow to maintain healthy teeth while wearing braces.

How to Care for Your Teeth if You Have Braces

1. Brush Regularly

Food particles are easily trapped under the wires of the braces. Make sure your child brushes after every meal to avoid tooth decay forming underneath the brackets or between teeth. Use a soft-bristled brush, and don’t “scrub” the teeth hard. If your child uses an electronic toothbrush, fit it with an orthodontic head to effectively clean around the braces.

2. Choose Appropriate Flossing Tools

There are many dental care products that make flossing easier for children with braces. Try flossing sticks or a floss threader to get dental filament under wires. Since more food particles and bacteria can form between teeth with braces, flossing regularly will prevent plaque buildup, discoloration, inflamed gums, and cavities.

3. Use a Mouth Rinse

dental careA medicated or fluoridated mouth rinse can help your child keep their mouth healthy in between brushing. As they get used to their new braces, it’s natural for small sores or cuts to be present in the mouth from the hardware. A medicated rinse helps prevent inflammation or infection. Consider trial-sized bottles to send to school for use after lunch.

4. Avoid Damaging Foods

Popcorn, sticky candies and sweets, gum, and ice can all damage the braces and be especially difficult to remove from brackets or wires. Help your child make good snack choices to avoid unnecessary trips to the orthodontist. 

5. Wear a Mouthguard During Sports

If your child plays sports where there is a danger of impact to the mouth, ask your dental care professional about a mouthguard. This appliance is custom fitted to the mouth and protects both the braces from damage and the soft, inner tissues of the lips and mouth from being cut by hardware during an impact. 

 

By following the tips above, your child’s teeth can remain healthy while wearing braces. Ronald W. Ristow, DDS, offers Oconto Falls, WI, residents complete dental care services. From general and family dentistry to cosmetic procedures and emergency service, their practice offers patients several relaxation options and over 15 years of experience. Call (920) 846-3163 to schedule an appointment, or visit their website for a full list of their services.

tracking